Category: Home Remedies

Health benefits of olive oil

Olive oil is a common kitchen ingredient without which you cannot imagine preparation of certain special dishes. It enhances the taste, aroma and quality of meals when used appropriately. It is full of good nutrients like vitamins A and E and valuable antioxidants. Besides, enriching the food recipes, it is also used in homemade recipes to beautify skin and hair. This is not all. There are ample of health benefits of olive oil due to which you can protect your body from various severe diseases and cure day to day health issues.

Here is a summary of health issues where olive oil can have amazing benefits on your mind and body.

Regular usage of extra virgin olive oil in meals can keep you away from skin cancer.

Include this oil in your everyday beauty recipes to slow down the ageing process and keep your skin glowing always.

Olive oil boosts good cholesterol and lowers bad cholesterol thereby reducing the chances of heart attack as it contains monounsaturated fatty acids. The oil is safe and healthy for your heart.

Use olive oil in your daily diet if you really want to delay the osteoporosis process. If you are already gripped by this disease then also consume olive oil to facilitate bone mineralization and better calcium absorption.

There are fewer chances of having rheumatoid arthritis to those who include olive oil in their diet.

The oil is easy on digestive system and prevents gallstones.

Use olive oil when you experience stomach pain and ulcer. Take three-fourth cup of vinegar or citrus juice and mix one table spoon of olive oil in it and consume. Your stomach will feel better.

If you feel digestive problem frequently then consume a spoon of olive oil daily in the morning on empty stomach.

Other benefits of olive oil

Foods that Cleanse Your Arteries

Many people are unaware of the fact that they can actually cleanse their arteries with various types of foods. The rate at which people are getting vascular and heart diseases, it’s high time that you too start looking after your health. Let’s talk about the foods that can come to your rescue-

1. Whole Grains

Brown rice, whole wheat bread and oatmeal are the best when it comes to decreasing the cholesterol level in your body and thereby protecting you from various heart diseases.

2. Almonds

Almonds are a great source of fiber, vitamin E and monounsaturated fats which are good for your heart. This again helps in decreasing the levels of bad cholesterol from your body. To stay away from strokes, eat a fistful of these daily instead of other oily snacks.

3. Walnuts

This has omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids which looks after the overall health of your arteries. The magnesium in it helps in preventing plaque formation that again helps in controlling the blood pressure level of your body.

4. Salmon and other fatty fish

Salmon, mackerel, tuna and herring all these fish are a good source of omega 3 fatty acids. You don’t need to eat it daily. Eating it twice a week will lower down your risk of developing any heart disease due to decreasing inflammation and triglyceride levels. It will also boost your HDL levels.

5. Avocado

This super food is rich in oleic acid which increases good cholesterol, lowers bad cholesterol and helps to keep your cholesterol level in the healthy range and helps lower the risk of heart disease if eaten daily. Eat it or drink it, avocado will surely lower your total cholesterol faster.

6. Olive oil

Olive oil contains abundance of mono and polyunsaturated fats that lowers the risk of stroke among users though in temperance. It is full of good nutrients like vitamins A and E and valuable antioxidants. Olive oil boosts good cholesterol and lowers bad cholesterol thereby reducing the chances of heart attack as it contains monounsaturated fatty acids. The oil is safe and healthy for your heart.

7. Pomegranate

The phytochemicals in pomegranate act as antioxidants in order to protect the lining of the arteries from getting damaged. Pomegranate juice produces nitric oxide that keeps blood flowing and arteries unclogged. In case of blockage in the coronary arteries if 200-250 grams of fresh pomegranate juice is taken every day for one year, it will reverse the plaque build-up and unblock the arteries to normal position.

8. Turmeric

Use this spice in as many recipes as you can. It has a powerful anti-inflammatory element- ‘curcumin’ in it that lowers inflammation as well as the hardening of the arteries or arteriosclerosis. It has been reported in various reports of studies conducted on the benefits of turmeric that it could prevent buildup of plaque that leads to blocked arteries, stroke or heart attack.

9. Orange Juice

Two cups of 100% orange juice daily is just perfect to reduce diastolic- the resting blood pressure. The juice also contains anti-oxidant that improves blood vessel function.

10. Cinnamon

To reduce fats in the bloodstream, one teaspoon of cinnamon is very effective. This is one item that is extremely rich in anti-oxidants. It will prevent plaque building in the arteries and will also decrease the bad cholesterol levels in the blood. Make paste of honey and cinnamon powder and apply on bread or chapatti and eat is regularly in the breakfast. It will reduce the cholesterol level and blockage in arteries and will save the people from heart attack.

11. Coffee

It may sound strange, but coffee can cut down the risk of heart diseases by almost 20%. Especially for the people with low blood pressure, coffee is good for temporary increase in the levels. Only 2 cups a day is all that you need.

12. Green Tea

Rich in catechins, green tea decreases cholesterol absorption in the body. It also tends to control your weight and prevent from cancer.

13. Spinach

Spinach is rich in potassium and folate which helps in controlling the blood pressure levels in your body. It reduces the risk of heart disease by almost 11% if consumed on regular basis.

It’s time for you to protect your heart from all the vulnerabilities, which you can easily do by consuming all the above mentioned healthy foods. Become your own dietician right away!

Stomach Bloating

Stomach bloating is not a disease but start up for the other serious kinds of diseases of stomach. Bloating is primarily because of wrong eating habits besides many other reasons relating to lifestyle. When gaseous condition builds up inside the stomach and doesn’t find any outlet through belching, burping or passing of gas, the stomach bloats or swells up. Consequently, it gives a feeling of heaviness or pain in the stomach. The gaseous state of stomach bloat becomes intolerable and causes pain, listlessness and unfocused concentration on work. More importantly, disorientation from social circle is the possible fallout of this problem. If not treated in time, there is a possibility it may develop to many types of cancers of stomach or liver.

Bloating causes

There are several causes of stomach bloating which may be taken into account before one can start treating this problem.

Intake of air through mouth

Bad bowel system

Wrong eating habits- like fast eating and anytime eating.

Over Weight

Bacterial growth – In intestines

Parasitic worms

Heartburn problem

Treatment and precautions suggested

By following simple routine and precautions one can control stomach bloating:

Avoid gums – By chewing the gum unwanted air is invited to the stomach.

Avoid eating fast

Avoid carbonated drinks

Do exercises and control weight

Check on milk products if these do not suit you.

Avoid stress

Take meal well before you sleep and do some walking to help the food to digest.

The bloating can be controlled by avoiding few gas instigating foods like Beans, Broccoli, sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, etc.

In short, a check list on self is important, what suits the stomach what doesn’t.

Home Remedies for stomach bloating

It is preferable to have home remedies like herbs, spices,etc normally which every kitchen has to cure bloating.

Ginger

Ginger slices should be taken with rock salt before meals to prevent the bloating. If this problem aggravated ginger tea is suggested to take in small quantities.

Fennel seeds and cardamom combo

Though, fennel seeds and cardamom if taken soothes the bloating problem, but for faster relief fennel seeds and cardamom grounded in equal quantities and half a spoon consumed with hot or lukewarm water helps to counter bloating.

Cumin seeds

Cumin seeds have a carminative effect means it works as antidote to bloating or gas formation. Chew half teaspoon of cumin seeds, when turns to paste drink with water. Another method is to boil and make beverage of cumin seeds, which helps countering the bloating and provide immediate relief.

It is effective in bloating condition. Boil it in water and consume the extract after it cools down. It has the Carminative effect and controls gas.

Caraway seeds

Consume half a tea spoon of powdered caraway seeds with water which helps to control bloating.

Besides these many other herbs like Basil, nutmeg, garlic etc are effective in controlling bloating.

Probiotics

The doctors suggests probiotics as alternative natural way to fight the bloating condition. In fact, Probiotics are the good bacteria which counter bad bacteria, thus providing relief to the stomach. Probiotics can be taken in many forms like Yogurt, buttermilk etc.

Insomnia- The types, symptoms and remedy

What is insomnia?

Insomnia is nothing but a sleeping disorder where a person finds it really difficult to fall asleep or to stay asleep for the required duration of time. Find types of insomia and insomnia remedies.

The various types of Insomnia

There are two types of insomnia which includes:

1. Primary Insomnia

This is a medical condition where a person suffers from sleep issues which are nowhere related to any current medical condition.

2. Secondary Insomnia

This is when a person suffers from sleep issues due to health issues such as depression, cancer, asthma and et al other than external factors like alcoholism and medication impacts.

The other way insomnia can be categorized is by its prevalence.

Acute Insomnia

This condition is where the person suffers from insomnia which is short-lived and can stay for a day to a few weeks. Chronic Insomnia- This is when the person suffering feels the lack of sleep for at least three nights in a given week and which can go up to months or longer than that.

The various symptoms associated with insomnia

Some of the symptoms associated with insomnia are discussed as follows:

1. Difficulty in falling asleep in the night time 2. Waking up too early 3. Feeling of sleepiness and tiredness in the day time 4. Issues in remembering things, focusing and in being attentive 5. Having bouts of headache in tensed conditions 6. Getting too worried about sleep

7. Not able to stay asleep at night 8. Feeling tired in the morning even after having slept 9. Depression, anxiety bouts and irritation 10. Stomach woes 11. Facing too many accidents or errors which are avoidable in normal conditions It is advised that in case any of the symptoms persist which bars a person from taking up daily activities; he or she should seek medical help immediately.

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The remedies which help in insomnia

In case a person is suffering from insomnia, the remedies associated are majorly based on the occurrence and the severity of the problem.

Acute Insomnia Remedies

In case a person is suffering from an insomnia issue which is just mild, in his or her case the doctor might suggest some simple and easy lifestyle changes which are enough to cure the condition to the extent. Some of the changes which are highly recommended include avoiding alcohol before going to bed, avoiding caffeine and other stimulating products, by avoiding heavy meals, bright lights and exercising at the day end before going to sleep.

Chronic Insomnia Remedies

In case the insomnia issue is grave and rather difficult to cure, the doctors usually ask the person to take a kind of therapy also known as cognitive behavioral therapy which helps in curbing the anxiety associated with sleeplessness. Medications are however also available to take care of the concern but it is safer to go for the therapy instead at any given point of time. Some of the medicine options which can treat insomnia issues include eszopiclone (Lunesta), ramelteon (Rozerem), zolpidem (Ambien) and zalepon (Sonata).

Home remedies to cure Insomnia

Certain insomnia remedies also help to put you to sleep throughout the night such as:

• Drink warm milk mixed with two spoons of honey. • Take a warm bath every night. Alternatively soak your feet in warm water for some time before hitting the bed. • Consume three cups of curd every day. • Consume one tablespoon of powdered pippli (piper longum) root along with milk and jaggery. • Follow same schedule day and night so that your body gets accustomed to waking up and sleeping times. • Go for morning walks daily so that your body gets habitual to waking up in the morning and sleeping sound at night. • Apply lavender oil on your temples and forehead before going to bed. It will help as mild tranquilizer and induce sleep.

Natural remedies for insomnia:

You can also cure insomnia in natural way by using a system called “Insomnia Free 4 Life™“.This is step by stem system without any side effect. In this system you are guided the process to cure insomnia permanently with using any medication. An audio track also will also help you to fall asleep faster by using binaural beats technology that will sooth you brain waves gently lulling you into the deep sleep.

The good old cumin- Discover its health benefits!

Cumin also known as “jeera” in the Indian household is usually considered as a spice added to the dishes to enhance the taste of a dish not understanding that this simple spice has tons of health benefits associated with it as well!

The Health Benefits of cumin

Even though cumin is one of the commonly used household spices, we tend to forget the importance it has for us. Thus some of the health benefits of cumin are listed below.

1. Aids in weight loss

Cumin has been seen to be a great spice when incorporated to diet has a great effect in increasing the body metabolism which aids in weight loss in the long run! This spice is also related to decreasing the food cravings in people as well which in turn helps in curbing the overeating issue leading to weight gain.

2. Maintains blood sugar

Cumin is a great spice which aids in lowering the blood sugar levels in humans as well and also help maintain optimum blood content levels. Consumption of cumin for diabetics has shown excellent results.

3. Prevents Asthma

Due to the fact that cumin is loaded with thymoquinone, an element which reduces the inflammation process associated with asthmatic conditions and also is known to act as a bronchodilator as well.

4. Prevents anemia

Cumin seeds are extremely rich in iron which is an inevitable element in the formation of hemoglobin in the blood cells. Thus, consumption of cumin will keep the blood levels in the body at optimal and will prevent anemia in the long run.

5. Treats constipation woes

Cumin is loaded with high fiber which in turn, acts as a great stimulant for enzyme secretion in the gastrointestinal tract. Cumin has been also used since time immemorial as a natural laxative and thus also is used in the treatment of piles too.

6. Promotes heart health

Being high on the level of potassium, cumin is a great spice to incorporate in the daily diet as it promotes the heart health. This is due to the fact that cumin maintains the electrolyte balance in the human body which helps in the proper regulation of the heart rate as well.

7. Prevents insomnia

Insomnia or sleeplessness is a common issue which can be handled with the consumption of cumin along with banana as both of it together helps to a great extent. Cumin is high on the level of melatonin which increases the chemical secretion in the brain cells which beats insomnia conditions and promotes sleep as well.

8. Enhances memory and reduces stress

Many researches in the recent times have proved that cumin consumption helps in enhancing the memory of a human along with acting as a stress buster as well. This is mainly due to the fact that cumin is loaded with minerals such as vitamin B6, riboflavin, niacin and et al, all of which promote mental well-being.

Now you are aware about the health benefits of cumin and can use it in health related issues.

Homemade remedies to cure diabetes

There is an alarming rise in the prevalence of diabetes in India. Thanks to our eating habits and sedentary lifestyle, even gestational diabetes is not uncommon. According to recent statistics, India has more people with Type 2 diabetes than any other nation. Who likes to take medicines every day? Insulin and dialysis is even worse experience. And mind you, as opposed to the misconception, eating sweets is not the only cause for this disease. Stress and genes play a major role in this. Although one cannot do much about it if it’s genetic, it definitely doesn’t harm to prevent it.

Diabetes is a disorder characterized by excess amount of blood glucose or blood sugar. This occurs due to lack of the hormone insulin in the body or because the insulin that is present in the body is not absorbed by the body. There are two types of diabetes: Type 1 diabetes called insulin dependent diabetes that usually affects children and teenagers and Type 2 that was previously called non-insulin dependent diabetes and usually affects adults. If left untreated, high glucose levels can damage blood vessels, posing great health problems in the long run.

There are homemade remedies to cure diabetes that can be prepared at home with the items available in your kitchen. Some of the home remedies that will help to cure diabetes are given below:

Homemade Remedies to Cure Diabetes

Bitter Guard (Karela):

Bitter guard tends to influence the glucose metabolism of the body and helps in increasing the pancreatic secretion and preventing insulin resistance. Drink one glass of bitter guard juice empty stomach in the morning 2-3 times a week to control diabetes. Within two months you will find some positive result.

Basil Leaves (Tulsi):

Basil leaves are rich in oxidants and essential oils that relieve oxidative stress and help in lowering the blood sugar level. Take two spoons of basil leaves juice on empty stomach in the morning to control your blood sugar level.

Indian Gooseberry (Amla):

Indian gooseberry contains vitamin C and give great relief if taken in powdered form as it promote proper functioning of pancreas. Mix two spoon of amla powder with water and keep it for some time. Now filter the solution and mix some lemon juice. Drink this mixture early in the morning regularly. You will feel improvement in your blood sugar level.

Jamun (Indian blackberry):

Indian blackberry is considered one of the most effective home remedy in treating diabetes. You can use Indian blackberries leaves, pulp and seed for treating diabetes. Crush the seeds or leaves to make the powder and drink it with a glass of water. Eating raw fruit will also show drastic improvement in your blood sugar level. Blackberry prevents the conversion of starch into sugar.

Cinnamon (Dalchini):

Cinnamon has the properties to lower the blood glucose level by stimulating insulin activity. It contains bioactive components that are also helpful in preventing and fighting diabetes. Daily use of 1/2teaspoon of cinnamon powder will improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar level. You can also take one tea spoon of cinnamon powder with one cup of Luke warm water to control blood sugar.

Garlic:

In one of the studies published in the Journal of Medical Food [1] found that garlic was highly effective in increasing insulin contents in the body and improved glucose tolerance. Just crush the garlic and eat this paste empty stomach or swallow garlic pods with Luke warm water.

Fenugreek Seeds:

Fenugreek seeds are rich source of soluble fiber which helps in lowering of blood sugar level as these seeds slow down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates. Soak these seeds in water overnight and should be taken early in the morning empty stomach. These seeds can also be taken in powdered form with the meal to control diabetes type-2.

Curry leaves:

Kadi patta (curry leaves) contains fiber within the leaves that by affecting the insulin activity of the body plays an important role in lowering the blood sugar level.

Mango leaves:

Take 10-15 fresh mango leaves and boil them with one glass of water. Keep this overnight and drink it empty stomach in the morning. Regular use of mango leaves water will help in regulating blood sugar level. You will find above mentioned homemade remedies to cure diabetes.

Homemade Remedies for Asthma Treatment

Asthma, a very commonly seen lung disease, is characterized by the difficulty that the person feels during breathing. There are two types of asthma problem either acute or chronic. Asthma attack occurs when there is any obstruction in the passage of airflow in the lungs. An attack of asthma can be very serious for you and even prove to be fatal if the disease is chronic.

There can be many causes of asthma like allergies, environmental factors, genetics, smoke and tobacco, respiratory infections and certain medications. Symptoms of asthma may include Shortness of Breath or Losing your Breath Easily, Frequent Cough, Especially at Night, Feeling tired while doing any physical activity, wheezing and tightness in the chest.

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There are many medical treatments are available for asthma. Certain medications may cause side effects. However, there are many simple homemade remedies which are very beneficial for an asthma patient. So, let us see some of the simplest and easiest home remedies that can help you in reducing asthma:

1. Ginger:

It is a well known relaxant for asthma patients as it can reduce the inflammation in the airway and give you a relaxing effect and prevent asthma attacks. Moreover, it can enhance the effects of certain asthma drugs and increase the relaxation of the muscles. Various methods to consume ginger are:

You can eat it raw by mixing it with salt.

Equal quantities of ginger juice, honey and pomegranate juice can be mixed and 1 tbsp of this mixture consumed thrice a day.

1 tsp. of ground ginger added to half cup of water can be consumed at bedtime.

2.Mustard Oil:

It is another good way of relaxing your respiratory tract. You must use mustard oil with a little amount of camphor and massage it gently on the chest and upper back to relieve the passages and restore normal breathing. It is especially beneficial during asthma attacks and can help in immediately subsiding the symptoms.

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3. Coffee:

The caffeine content of the coffee acts as a dilator of the bronchial tissues and can help in clearing the air passage. Moreover, consuming hot coffee will ease the airway and help you in breathing properly. However, you should not consume more than 3 cups of strong coffee in a day as too much of caffeine intake is not good for health.

4. Garlic:

Using garlic can also help in clearing the air passage and help you breathe properly. For good results, you need to boil about 15 cloves of garlic in milk (one half cup) and then drink it once a day.

5. Honey:

The consumption of honey is considered to be one of the oldest home remedy for asthma. Even the smell of honey is known to have worked wonders for some people and it is highly recommended to try out honey if you’re having troubles with your breathing. Just mix 1 tsp of honey in a glass of water (hot) and drink it gradually. Repeat this at least three times a day for positive results.